Picture at top of page

Picture at top of page
In 1945, Marines persevered to victory in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

From the Commandant:

The February meeting was held as scheduled on 20 February with 15 members in attendance.  We appreciate that attendance was up and look for this to continue.  The meeting was convened in the proper format at 7:30 PM.  The roll call of officers was conducted with 100% in attendance.  As there was no business conducted in January, there were no minutes to report.

One piece of correspondence was received from the US Marines Youth Foundation to express gratitude for the detachment donation at the Blue Light level in support of youth programs.

Paymaster Bill Costello provided an update on detachment finances.  We continue to have assets on hand to address needs and meet obligations.

Chaplain Mike Whalen reported that no members were reported to be sick or in distress.

Commandant Hastings reported that Iwo Jima Day at the State House was successful and well handled.  Detachment member George Vouros was one of the Iwo Jima veterans who was honored.  The Commandant and Mac McEntegart thank John Crisafulli for an expeditious ride into Boston for the ceremony.

Four of the battle’s survivors, above, George Vouros, Robert Lavoie, Walter O’Malley and Larry Kirby, attend Iwo Jima Day at the State House yesterday.
Iwo Jima Veteran George Vouros participated in the State House observance of Iwo Jima Day.

New Member:

The detachment welcomes John Tredein who was sworn in during the February meeting.  John served as an FMF Corpsman from 1977 to 1981 with 2/2 at Camp Lejeune.  After separating for eight years, he re-enlisted and served another tour with the First Marine Division.  During this time, he was deployed for Desert Storm and participated in the taking of Kuwait.  We look forward to sharing stories with John.


The Golf Committee will meet at 7:00 PM on 28 February to plan the tournament that will be played on 20 August.  Members and supporters are encouraged to arrange for raffle prizes, ads, and other donations.  This is our major fundraiser and the efforts of all are needed.

Judge Advocate McEntegart raised the point that a by-laws change is needed to eliminate the limitation of two consecutive one year terms for Commandant.  With a small pool of potential candidates for leadership roles, this change will provide more options going forward.  The change must be posted in two monthly newsletters prior to being voted upon.  National Judge Advocate Warren Griffiin raised the point that we must install officers prior to 15 May to comply with National MCL By Laws.  This change will also be implemented prior to implementation.

Registration materials for the MA State MCL convention have been distributed.  This will be from June 1-3 in New Bedford.  Members are encouraged to attend and be heard.
The MCLNational convention will be in Buffalo, NY.

Commandant Hastings reflected that he recently laid a wreath on the grave of the Marine who pulled  him to safety during a firefight in Viet Nam 50 years ago.  The same Marine died in the medevac helicopter on the way to medical facilities.  This reminds us of the bonds between Marines and the commitment to remembering our history.  These are objective of the Marine Corps League